Membrane Sweep?

[Lydia161290]

I'm 40 weeks tomorrow with my first and my midwife has offered me a membrane sweep next week, which I have agreed to have if I don't go into labour beforehand.

My baby's head is engaged, been getting a few cramps for the past few days and loads of intense Braxton Hicks, but regardless, I feel like i'm going to go over my due date.

I read up about a Membrane Sweep and realise that I am actually quite worried about the thought of it. It's so silly considering there's going to be a little baby coming out of there soon.

My question is, does it hurt and does it work?

hurts a bit but its quick and bearable and hurts nowhere near as mych as labour!
i wud say go for it. i had them with both mine, first time it worked like a charm and id had her by that same afternoon.

second time it took two sweeps over couple days but it eventually started somthing.

Hmmm. Had two with DC2 and found it really painful TBH. Didn't work either time and went for another 5ish days after second one before anything happened.
I've since read that they only work if everything is soft and ready to go anyway. Both times my cervix turned out to be too far back for it to be effective. Wouldn't bother if there was a next time and would just let nature take its course.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

hello Lydia, I have 4 kiddies, all of them involved membrane sweeps, 2/3 times with the first 3 kids, and with my last baby ,only 2 months ago, many many sweeps to get induction to work(didn't work). I have to be honest, it depends on the doc/midwife that is doing it. If your midwife is gentle (and small hands) then its not too bad, plus u are 40 weeks so chances are u will already be starting to 'soften'. but from the most recent experiences I had two month ago, 3 different male doctors, 2 were extremely rough and pain was bad,i literally crawled up the bed away from them! I found with every sweep in all of my pregnancies, that yes, they all kicked off pain, and sometimes bleeding a bit, and with 3rd child, I went in labour the next day. they are worth a try, and I always asked (insisted) my lovely midwife to do them. as long as u feel comfortable with your midwife. I don't recommend letting someone do it that u don't feel happy with. also can I suggest that if u feel u can, then go for a long walk after it, even through pain, I feel that kicked off my 3rd baby. Do let us know how u get on, just lay up there, find a spot on the ceiling and concentrate on that. Good luck sweetie.

Had a few with my DS. Didn't work but i hoped they would but not painful and over quickly.

Thanks everyone for your answers. Looks like it could be 50/50 then.
My midwife is lovely and I trust she'll make me as comfortable as she can. DP will also be there to hold my hand. I hope it works!

Due date is today and still no baby! Looks like i'm going over. Doh :(